Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal filling your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. With its fudgy texture, nutty richness, and just the right amount of sweetness, this dish transforms ordinary oats into a decadent breakfast treat that feels like dessert.

I first discovered this magical combination during a chilly winter morning when I was craving something cozy yet indulgent. Ever since, it's become a family staple—perfect for meal prepping or serving fresh out of the oven when guests come over.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a standout!

Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Get ready to meet your new favorite breakfast bake. This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and indulgence.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one mixing bowl, you’ll have this oatmeal prepped and in the oven in under 10 minutes. No fancy equipment or complicated steps required.

It’s also budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like oats, cocoa powder, and peanut butter, making it easy to whip up without an extra trip to the store.

Beyond its simplicity, this baked oatmeal is perfect for meal prepping. Bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy ready-to-go breakfasts all week long. It reheats beautifully and maintains its moist, fudgy texture even after a few days in the fridge.

Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding kids, brunch guests, or just treating yourself, everyone will love the combination of chocolatey brownie goodness with creamy peanut butter swirls.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that bring this dish to life.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this rich and satisfying Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each one contributes to the decadent flavor and comforting texture.

Old-fashioned rolled oats form the hearty base of the dish. Their slightly chewy texture holds up beautifully during baking, creating a structure that’s soft but not mushy. Avoid using quick oats, as they can turn the bake too soft and soggy.

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the oatmeal its deep, brownie-like flavor. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa for its smooth, rich taste, but natural cocoa powder works well too if that’s what you have on hand.

Creamy peanut butter is swirled throughout the batter, adding a nutty richness that perfectly complements the chocolate. Make sure to use a well-stirred, smooth peanut butter for easy incorporation and consistent texture.

Maple syrup serves as the primary sweetener, lending a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with both the cocoa and peanut butter. If you prefer, honey or agave syrup can also be used as alternatives.

Milk and eggs provide moisture and structure. I typically use whole milk for a richer texture, but any milk—dairy or plant-based—will work just fine. The eggs help bind everything together, ensuring each slice holds up well.

For this recipe, you won’t need any special equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and an 8x8-inch baking dish. Simple tools for a simply delicious result.

How To Make This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Creating this decadent baked oatmeal is easier than you might think. Follow along and you’ll have a warm, fudgy breakfast ready in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with non-stick spray or a little melted butter to prevent sticking. This small step makes serving much easier later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together to ensure even distribution of the cocoa and leavening agents.

In a separate bowl or directly into the dry mixture, add your wet ingredients: milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil. Stir gently until everything is fully combined, creating a smooth, chocolatey batter.

Pour half of the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Dollop half of the peanut butter on top in small spoonfuls, then gently swirl it through the batter using a butter knife or skewer.

Repeat with the remaining oatmeal mixture and peanut butter, creating beautiful swirls that will bake into ribbons of nutty goodness. Don’t worry about making perfect patterns—rustic swirls look beautiful once baked.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and slightly puffed. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look firm and the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.

Once baked, allow the oatmeal to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps the structure set up fully, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Storage Options

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal is how well it stores, making it perfect for busy mornings.

After cooling completely, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture remains moist, and the flavors even deepen slightly over time.

For longer storage, portion the oatmeal into individual servings and freeze them. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting for a quicker option.

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or place larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

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Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

For a vegan version, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk. Make sure your peanut butter and sweetener are also vegan-friendly.

If you want an extra indulgent version, sprinkle chocolate chips or chunks between the layers along with the peanut butter. The melty chocolate pockets create a gooey brownie-like experience.

For a nut-free option, replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or Wowbutter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and allergy-friendly.

To boost the protein content, stir in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder into the dry ingredients. You may need to add a little extra milk to maintain the right batter consistency.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, reduce the maple syrup slightly and add a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste. The oatmeal will still taste rich and satisfying without being overly sweet.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you prefer it extra chocolatey, slightly less sweet, or tailored to dietary restrictions, this baked oatmeal is endlessly adaptable.

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